HOLIDAYS ~ December 2023 to January 2024

Interim President: 

• Clarissa  McIlwain Nelson resigned in January, citing lack of time.
• Brian Eckholm was assigned Interim President.

Arena Updates:

• Changed signage: the sign over the entrance doors, and freestanding signage at parking lot entrance,  was changed from 'arena' to 'recreation center'.  The name change was recommended to broaden eligibility for grants.
• Installed the Gibeau Honor Sign by the office door,  with complementary lighting; project completed.

• Acquired new dasherboard sponsorships: Dondelinger Ford will replace Scenic North Properties, and City of LaPrairie will replace Edgewood Care, Inc.

Arena Projects in Process:

• IRRRB grants are on track for the next award date.
• Security cameras for the hallway, concession stand, and lobby are being explored.
• Improved lighting for the parking lot, in conjunction with MN Power, might be feasible.

Programs:

• Basketball practice for grades 1-2 begins mid January. Players consist of 20 boys and 10 girls. Games start in February.
• Hockey tournaments have been competitive and well attended.
• Ice Figure Skaters passed their skill tests on December 30; more sessions are scheduled for Juniors and Seniors on February 24, at 8 am.

NOVEMBER 2023 

Quick Business Meeting: 

• Upgraded the second compressor; now both are up to speed.
• Contributed the budgeted amount to Mount Itasca, i.e. $10,000.
• Re-configured the location and lighting for the Honor Board of Past & Present Greenway Hockey Division I Scholars.

Website Updates:

• Revised basketball registration announcement.

• Improved dasherboard sponsors' photos. ARENA SPONSORS

OCTOBER 2023 

Programs: 

• Ice is in for hockey and figure skating.
• Hockey has 125 players.
• Basketball players number 10 girls in 3-4th grades; 11 boys in 3-4th grades; 11 girls in 5-6th grades; 11 boys in 5-6th grades.

Purchases:

• Upgraded office laptop.
• New tires for utility truck.

Work in  Process

The projects noted the previous month, i.e. lighting for the  honor board of past and present Greenway Hockey Division I scholars, and the sign over the entrance doors to the arena, are in process. 

SEPTEMBER 2023 

Welcome Andy Sertich: 

Andy has been hired for the part time position as advertised. He started work immediately with the Flag Football program. About Andy (wikipedia)

Fall Activities

• Flag Football began September 11 and had a competitive season; the Eagles won the championship.

• Figure Skating and Hockey registration have been completed; based on numbers, there will just be one Bantam A Team.

• Boys and girls basketball registration for grade 3 through grade 6 was scheduled for October 4; registration for grade 1 and grade 2 will be November 28. Nick Porter continues to be the basketball contact.

• A VFW dedication to honor Vietnam War veterans--held on  September 23 in the arena--was an exceptional event to remember; the arena as the venue was a success.

Work in  Process

The projects noted the previous month, i.e. lighting for the  honor board of past and present Greenway Hockey Division I scholars, and the sign over the entrance doors to the arena, are in process. 

AUGUST 2023 - First meeting of new year.

Finances The main reason for increases is an additional 'high usage' fee for electricity.

• The budget was adopted; the anticipated revenues and expenditures amount is $532,700.
• The levy requested will be $360,500.
• All user fees (except the fitness room) will be increased by $10.
• The lease with IDS 316 was increased by $5000.

Other Board Business

• IRRRB approved the $85,000 grant application (requires matching funds) for replacement of the roof's flat portion that extends over the lobby and back area. The work will begin next spring.
• Lighting for the  honor board of past and present Greenway Hockey Division I scholars displayed at the arena will be installed--thanks to a donation by the Gibeau family.
• Discussion about hiring a part-time worker will again be on the agenda next month, and the hiree announced.
• The sign over the entrance doors to the arena remains in process this fall designating the building as a recreation center; working with Eck Designs.

Fall Activities

• Flag Football will begin Monday, September 11.

• Figure Skating registration at the arena will be on September 20, Wednesday from 4-6 pm. Registration may also be accomplished online via Greenway Emerald Ice Figure Skating Club

• A VFW dedication to honor Vietnam War veterans will be held at the arena on September 23.

• Hockey registration is completely online via Greenway Amatuer Hockey Association

JULY 2023

Summer Activities

• The ball programs, hockey camps,  figure skating lessons, Camp Hiawatha usage, and a Grand Rapids-Greenway Lightning tournament, were all run successfully via Greenway Rec's sports complex and arena.

• The City of Bovey has installed a playground adjacent to the sports complex with a trail leading from the parking lot.  The playground has complemented the ball programs by providing activities for young siblings of players during ball practices and games.

GJRA Fiscal Year Ends

• GJRA's fiscal year begins August 1st. The upcoming board meeting will include elections, adoption of the budget, and renewing the leases with ISD #316 for usage of GJRA facilities.

• The cost of electricity has escalated beyond the budgeted amount; this concerning issue is an agenda item for the next board meeting.

• Another agenda item will be discussion on hiring a part-time worker as the position remains open.

• AEOA continues to  assist with grantwriting to IRRRB for the roof replacement.

Fall Activities

• Flag Football will begin Monday, September 11.

• A VFW dedication to honor Vietnam War veterans will be held at the arena on September 23; stay tuned for details.

Taxing Authority



2023 Levy = $350,000

2024 Levy = $360,500

2022 - 2023 budget = $482,800

2023 - 2024 budget = $532,700

See Area Boundaries HERE